Review: Refrigeration plus lighting Antec Prizm 120 ARGB 3 + 2 + C

We analyze the pack of three fans, two ARGB LED strips and Antec Prizm 120 ARGB 3 + 2 + C controller, which offers us a high level of customization of our system.

RGB lighting has become very popular and users are increasingly demanding more components with this feature. To satisfy the most demanding users Antec has created the Antec Prizm 120 ARGB 3 + 2 + C pack. This kit is characterized by having two Prizm 120 ARGB fans, two ARGB LED strips and a controller from which to manage everything. In addition, being all ARGB, it allows each of the LEDs in the set to work in a different color, according to our taste.

WHAT IS ADRESSABLE RGB or ARGB?

The Addressable RGB or ARGB is a new RGB lighting standard that allows each RGB LED to be controlled individually. It basically differs from 'conventional' RGB in that it supports more lighting effects and offers better color quality.

'Conventional' RGB systems offer an analog control system, allowing control via PWM. This system only allows you to control the color channels separately, with all the LEDs operating under this channel, so they will all operate in unison. It is a problem when we want a variable color to be shown to us on LED strips or fans.

In order to offer a better quality of illumination, this new standard is being passed, since it allows individualized control of each of the LEDs. This system allows an LED strip or a fan to display several colors at the same time. The control is completely digital and is based on a communication protocol.

It should be noted at this point that RGB and ARGB systems are not compatible, unfortunately. This is because the traditional connector was 4 pins and the new system has three pins, one for positive voltage, the other for voltage return and the third is a digital pulse that allows the customization of each of the LEDs.

Simplifying it, the ARGB allows us to control the color of each LED individually, allowing us to create color configurations according to our tastes. So most manufacturers already go to this standard.

FAN CONTROLLER

The Antec Prizm 120 ARGB kit of five comes with a controller that can manage five fans. It has a system that allows the five PWM connectors of the fans to be connected on one side and the three-pin ARGB connectors on the other. A SATA connector has been installed to power the controller, which will allow the fans to be powered.

The controller has a 'LED SPED' button that allows managing the speed of the different lighting effects. You can choose between slow, medium or fast speed. We also have the 'MODE' button that allows the customization of colors by means of a simple button.

We also have a 'LED CTRL' connector which is a port that allows converting the reset button of the chassis into a button to manage the controller. A specially designed cable is added for this.

Additionally we have the 'PWM LED' port which allows us to connect the controller to the motherboard. A cable is included specifically for this and allows the fans and ARGB lighting to sync with the motherboard. For this, the motherboard must be compatible with this new standard.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS FANS

The kit has three Prizm 120 ARGB fans that are characterized by being PWM and have dimensions of 120mm long, 120mm high and 25mm wide. They have hydraulic bearings to offer low noise and great durability. This fan is estimated to have a lifespan of about 40.000 hours.

These fans can reach up to 2.000 RPM offering an air flow that could reach 45.03CFM. In addition, these fans offer an air pressure of 2.56 mmH2O and a noise level of 32.6dBA.

Each of the fans has four pins for the fan and the three-pin ARGB connector for lighting. The fan operates at a voltage of 12V (allowing it to operate between 6V and 13.8V) with a maximum current of 0.18A ± 20%. ARGB lighting works at 5V (ranging between 4.5V and 5.3V) with a maximum current of 0.8A ± 20%.

RELEVANT ASPECTS FANS

The Prizm 120 ARGB fans are characterized by each having a total of 18 RGB LEDs that can act independently. This allows a configuration of up to 16.8 million colors and is compatible with the effects of most motherboard manufacturers.

It is these fans that are compatible with ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, RGB Fusion and ASRock Polychorme Sync. To add compatibility with Gigabyte motherboards, a special connector has been provided that connects to the pins for the LED strips.

ARGB LED STRIPS

As for the ARGB LED strips in this kit they have no greater secret. They are two LED strips with a total of 23 LEDs in each of them that have the ability to work independently. These strips can be connected to the fan controller or directly to a compatible motherboard.

CONCLUSION

Ideal solution by Antec for those who want a chassis with custom lighting. This Antec Prizm 120 ARGB 3 + 2 + C kit as we see is made up of three fans, two LED strips and the controller. More focused for users who want to install fans on the front and also want to add RGB lighting to their chassis. The fans are of excellent quality and performance and the LED strips have the LEDs very well protected to avoid problems.